On May 16th the City of Prince George signed onto a Statement of Support for the Human Trafficking Prevention Network British Columbia, publicly acknowledging the issue’s presence in our community, and that a number of partners are working to address it. Among those prompting this step forward is Councillor Garth Frizzell, alongside other councillors with the City’s Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. Frizzell shared cautious enthusiasm acknowledging the work non-profits conduct, and participation from organizations like the airport.
Tackling human trafficking here for the last 40 years is Lynnell Halikowski, Executive Director at the Prince George Sexual Assault Centre (PGSAC). Halikowski is impressed that our city is the first municipality in the province to demonstrate the initiative to sign on, but concedes that there’s plenty of work to be done, “I know lots of folks think it’s not that bad, or it’s not happening. It is happening and it is that bad.”
The PGSAC 24/7 helpline is 1-866-212-5780 and is meant to be used to get help/support within 72 hours of a sexual assault.
Stories also available on frequencynews.ca, 88.7 FM in Prince George—Lheidli T’enneh, and cfur.ca/listen-live Mon-Fri 7:30am & 5pm PST
CFUR Radio Society’s journalist, Ian Gregg is funded by the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) through the Community Radio Fund of Canada (CRFC).